To apply for additional Social Security benefits like Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you start by visiting the Social Security Administration (SSA) website (ssa.gov) to use their eligibility questionnaires and begin applications, often starting with a phone or in-person appointment for SSI/disability, and must gather extensive personal, financial, and detailed medical records to prove your claim, with the online process being a primary way to manage different benefit types.
The extra $144 added to Social Security usually comes from the Medicare Part B Giveback benefit, offered by some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which pays back some or all your Part B premium, showing up as extra money in your check if it's deducted from your Social Security. To qualify, you need Original Medicare (Parts A & B), pay your own Part B premium, live in a plan's service area, and enroll in a specific Medicare Advantage plan that offers this "rebate," with the amount varying by plan and location.
If you're enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or you qualify for one of the Medicare Savings Programs, you'll be enrolled in LIS/Extra Help automatically and receive a letter from CMS confirming your enrollment.
If you plan to apply for SSI, you can begin the application process at www.ssa.gov/ssi. You can also call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 to set up an appointment with your local Social Security office. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call us at our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to apply over the phone or to request an application. Apply at your local Social Security office. After you apply, we will review your application and let you know if you are eligible for Extra Help.
If Social Security isn't enough, you should supplement your income through other savings (401k, IRAs, brokerage accounts), explore government aid like SSI, SNAP, and Medicaid, consider working part-time, use programs like NCOA's BenefitsCheckUp to find assistance, potentially delay claiming benefits for a higher monthly payout, or look into annuities for guaranteed income.
The $16,728 represents the maximum annual increase in Social Security benefits achievable through delayed retirement credits when you wait until age 70 to claim benefits.
Your eligibility for Extra Help gets reviewed every year. If you meet the income and resource limits for next year, you'll keep getting Extra Help. You'll get a new notice if you no longer qualify for Extra Help next year, or if you get moved to a different plan for next year.
The Extra Help program helps people with limited income and resources lower or cut Part D costs. Medicare Part D provides drug coverage. The Extra Help program helps with the cost of your prescription drugs, like deductibles and copays. You can apply for Extra Help any time before or after you enroll in Part D.
Most people will receive their one-time retroactive payment by the end of March, which will be deposited into their bank account on record with Social Security.
Eligibility Criteria for Senior Stimulus Checks
Those who receive Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or veterans' benefits are also considered for stimulus payments, even if they do not file a tax return.
The 2025 Social Security payment increase was a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), announced in October 2024, leading to about a $50-$56 average monthly increase for retirees, with the average benefit rising from around $1,927 to $1,976 or more. This smaller adjustment reflects moderating inflation compared to the significant 2023 boost, with final amounts detailed in COLA notices mailed in late 2024.
Additional work will increase your retirement benefits. Each year you work will replace a zero or low earnings year in your Social Security benefit calculation, which could help to increase your benefit amount. Social Security bases your retirement benefits on your lifetime earnings.
How Does the Program Work?